You often hear that internships will help you gain valuable work experience and build your resume, but is it really worth your time to complete one?  If you’re having trouble deciding if you want to apply for an internship, check out these 5 commonly overlooked reasons why you should.

1.    Internships are a great chance to decide if you actually want to work in your chosen major

There are aspects to some jobs that the classroom doesn’t prepare you for.  Things you may never have considered such as odd hours, office politics, and extreme stress can be common in certain career choices.

2.    You could earn a lot of money

Paid internships are hard to find, but if you’re lucky enough to land one with a successful corporation you might make a lot of money.  Certain companies, such as GE, typically pay their interns $20 per hour or more.

3.    Build your professional network

I often hear people say “it’s not what you know, but who you know,” and depending on your career choice, that can certainly be a true statement.  Internships give you a chance to network  with people who might be in a position to help you land a great job when you graduate.

4.    Get a good reference to use when hunting for a job

A solid reference letter from an accomplished professional can help set you apart from other job candidates.

5.    Explore a new city

Internships give you a chance to spend your summer living in an exotic city, such as Des Moines, Iowa (yes, I’m joking, although I’m sure Des Moines is a wonderful city).  But in all seriousness, who wouldn’t want to gain work experience while spending their summer interning in Hawaii or another interesting locale?